Final answer:
The answer to the fill-in-the-blank question is D. increase. Engaging in aerobic exercise, eating more vegetables and grains, losing weight, and quitting smoking can increase good HDL cholesterol and decrease total cholesterol.
Step-by-step explanation:
The correct answer to the question "Steps to __________ high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and decrease total cholesterol include daily aerobic exercise, dietary increase of vegetables and grain products, weight loss, and smoking cessation." is D. increase. HDL cholesterol is known as "good" cholesterol because it helps transport excess cholesterol to the liver, where it can be metabolized. Steps that can lead to an increase in HDL cholesterol and a decrease in total cholesterol include engaging in regular aerobic exercise, improving dietary habits with a focus on vegetables and grains, achieving weight loss, and quitting smoking. These lifestyle changes not only increase HDL but also improve the LDL:HDL ratio, a better predictor of heart disease risk than overall serum cholesterol levels. Including foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, such as alpha-linolenic acid, can help lower LDL and elevate HDL, contributing to healthier blood cholesterol levels.
Furthermore, it's important to reduce the intake of saturated and trans fats, which have been shown to increase LDL and decrease HDL. Regular exercise is crucial, as it not only lowers LDL but also increases HDL levels. Balancing such a diet with exercise and devoid of smoking leads to better management of cholesterol and decreases the risk of cardiovascular disease.